The Supreme Court of Wednesday, October 15, allowed the offline sale of green firecrackers containing QR codes in the Delhi-NCR area. The court gave certain conditions after allowing the bursting of green crackers during Diwali, saying that online and offline sale will be permitted from October 18 to October 25.
The order observed by the apex court bench comprising CJI BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran has fixed the timings of bursting QR code crackers between 6 am to 7 am, and again from 8 pm to 10 pm on Diwali, and violators will face notices. The bench noted that the traditional firecrackers are often smuggled and are more harmful. Over six years, green firecrackers have significantly reduced pollution, with support from the National Disaster Response Force.
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Supreme Court said it has to take a balanced approach, permitting bursting of green firecrackers in moderation while not compromising the environment. The Court orders the Police authority to constitute a patrolling team to keep an eye on that only permitted products with QR codes are to be sold and no crackers are allowed from outside in the Delhi-NCR region.
Licence for manufacturing and selling firecrackers will be suspended if fake firecrackers are found. “We have to take a balanced approach, permitting it in moderation while not compromising with the environment,” said the CJI, noting that smuggled firecrackers cause far greater damage than the certified green ones.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta welcomed the Supreme Court judgment on firecrackers said "gratitude" for granting permission to use green firecrackers.
"This decision respects the sentiments and enthusiasm of the public during sacred festivals like Diwali, while also reflecting a balanced approach towards environmental protection," CM Gupta wrote on X promising that the Delhi government will resolve the issue of pollution and keep the National capital "clean and green."
CM Rekha Gupta said, "Our goal is to ensure that the vibrancy of festivals remains intact while also safeguarding the environment. This Diwali, let us all come together to celebrate with green firecrackers, harmonising festivity and environmental protection, and work towards realising the resolve of a 'green and prosperous Delhi.'"